12 Herbal Medicines Found to Contain Hazardous Chemicals, Including Well-Known Brands
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has found 12 illegal natural remedy products (OBA) proven to contain medicinal chemical substances (BKO) banned from use in such products, during its monitoring in April 2026. The findings remain dominated by products claiming to boost male stamina containing sildenafil citrate, followed by products claiming to relieve aches and pains containing paracetamol and caffeine.
“BPOM found OBAs with claim types that warrant attention, namely products claiming to treat skin conditions and itching. These products contain the medicinal chemicals paracetamol and miconazole. In addition, we found products claiming to treat digestive disorders containing famotidine, as well as products claiming to relieve shortness of breath containing dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine maleate/CTM,” said BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar, as quoted from the BPOM website on Sunday (12/7/2026).
Beyond these claims, OBAs containing sibutramine with slimming claims were also found, along with OBAs claiming to relieve aches, pains, rheumatism or gout containing paracetamol and caffeine, and OBAs claiming male stamina or men’s health containing sildenafil citrate.
The products found to contain BKO are S Sepuluh, Remurat 001, Jamu Asam Urat Flu Tulang, Kopi Badak Juooss, Kopi Joss, Kenzo, Red Bull, Codryceps Zhi Ke Bao Capsules, Herbal Slim, Sapu Jagat, Miao Jia Zu Dai Fu Yi Jun Ru Gao, and Vall-Boon 606 Antacid Tablets.
Taruna continued that the practice of adding medicinal chemicals to natural remedies is a form of fraud that can endanger public health.
“Consumers believe the products they are consuming are made from natural ingredients. In fact, this is deception because they contain undisclosed medicinal chemicals that are highly risky when used without supervision from health professionals. BPOM will show zero tolerance towards such violations,” he asserted.
Use of OBAs containing BKO without medical supervision can cause serious side effects. Sildenafil citrate, for instance, is a prescription-only medicine for erectile dysfunction that should only be used with a doctor’s prescription.
Unsupervised use can cause serious side effects such as a drastic drop in blood pressure, heart attacks, and liver and kidney damage. Meanwhile, use of OBAs containing paracetamol can increase the risk of impaired liver function.
Regarding the products claiming to relieve shortness of breath, BPOM reminded the public not to treat breathing difficulties carelessly. Shortness of breath can be a sign of a serious health condition requiring examination and treatment by health professionals.
“Using products whose composition and safety are unclear can actually worsen the condition, delay proper medical treatment, and increase risks for consumers,” Taruna added.
As a follow-up to these findings, BPOM has taken enforcement measures in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations. All products identified as containing BKO have been ordered by BPOM to be withdrawn from circulation and destroyed. In addition, BPOM has carried out takedowns of online sales links for the BKO-containing OBA products discovered.
Investigations into the businesses producing and distributing these products are currently under way. BPOM will take firm action against perpetrators under Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138 paragraphs (2) and (3) of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, with penalties of up to 12 years’ imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of Rp 5 billion.